The Megacity Research Project focuses on the mega-urban region of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) as one of Vietnam’s regions most affected by climate change. Here, risks and vulnerabilities are to be assessed and sustainable adaptation measures are to be developed and incorporated into urban decision-making and planning processes. The general aim of the project is to increase the resilience and adaptive capacity of the urban system of HCMC.

Two major topics constitute the project structure: Action Field 1 focuses on environmental research; Action Field 2 is concerned with urban development. Thereby, the project follows an interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in different fields related to the two overall topics. Inclusive and effective urban planning is essential for climate-adapted and energy-efficient urban development.

Action Field 1 – Urban Environment encompasses the following work packages:

– WP 1 Adaptation Planning Framework
– WP 2 Urban Flooding
– WP 3 Urban Climate
– WP 4 Urban Energy
– WP 5 Urban Transport.

The primary objective within Action Field 2 is to mainstream sustainable urban development strategies under the conditions of climate change into the urban system of HCMC. Based on the knowledge gained from the research in Action Field 1, small-scale projects will be conducted with the Vietnamese partners to promote best-practices for further appropriate responses. On the practical level, the instruments of zoning and building codes will be examined and recommendations made for their improvement with regard to sustainable urban development, energy-efficiency, and resiliency to adverse climate changes.

Action Field 2 – Urban Development includes the following work packages:

– WP 6 Precaution and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change Impacts on the Regional and City Level
– WP 7 Integrative Planning Approach for New Energy- and Climate-Efficient Neighborhoods
– WP 8 Livable City – Urban Regeneration and Community-Based Adaptation
– WP 9 Energy- and Climate-Efficient Housing Typologies.